We are sure that the decision of the Bulgarian authorities was taken to do the bidding from the outside, and do it against the will, desire and aspiration of the Bulgarian people, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.

According to the diplomat, Russia reserves the right to retaliatory political and diplomatic measures, including those of an asymmetric nature.

Zakharova said Bulgaria's decision is "an attempt by a discredited parliament and a retired Bulgarian cabinet to deal a devastating blow to relations with Russia and to the remaining mechanisms of bilateral dialogue."

"No one can break the centuries-old cultural and spiritual ties that bind our peoples," Zakharova said.